Deputy Public Defender I - IV
Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office! This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including:
- Prepares the defense for court-appointed cases in a variety of misdemeanor cases.
- Conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research; coordinates investigative activities with Public Defender Investigator.
- Represents clients at arraignments, pretrials, jury trials.
This position is located in Eureka, California. A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5
Under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature; provides public defense and legal services for court-appointed cases; performs related work as assigned.
This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity of assigned cases. The work may be related to any of a number of criminal areas, including both felonies and misdemeanors, and involves providing legal defense for indigent court-referred clients. Involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of the work of other professional staff increase as incumbents progress through the various levels. Deputy Public Defender IV is considered to be the highest level non-supervisory class, fully capable of working independently in any number of complex areas and providing direction and training to less experienced staff.
While expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with the defense of others from pretrial through appeal stages.
Knowledge of:
- Principles, philosophy and practice of criminal law, especially as related to the defense of court-referred clients.
- Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
- Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
- State and federal laws and constitution provisions affecting public defense from pretrial through appeal.
Skill in:
- Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
- Presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
- Exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
- Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting public defense activities.
- Representing assigned clients effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
- Preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient written materials.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Other Requirements: Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.
Desirable Education and Experience:
- Deputy Public Defender I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university, plus an appropriate law degree.
- Deputy Public Defender II: In addition to the above, one year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense.
- Deputy Public Defender III: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of three years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal law.
- Deputy Public Defender IV: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of five years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense. Demonstrated increased ability to successfully defend complex and high penalty cases with a minimum of supervision is required for advancement to the level of Deputy Public Defender IV.